And Finally a Dog Park

05 Dec And Finally a Dog Park

After about twelve years of planning,  fundraising and grant seeking, a number of great improvements are finally coming out of the ground at the City’s 37 acre Southside Park.

Last year, the Young Leaders of Beaufort planted the first trees in the City’s Tree Farm at the Northwest corner of the park.

Saturday there was a celebratory “Grand Opening” of Beaufort’s dog park on the south end of the Park.

For those who have not yet seen it, it has two large pens will lots of running room for small dogs on one side and larger ones on the other.  There are water fountains for humans and dogs and benches for the parents of frisky canines who run in circles playing with one another. We need more benches and hope that private tax deductible contributions will bring them soon.

Quite frankly, as someone with no experience with dog parks, I was amazed to see the crowd of residents with their dogs. I saw a family from Fripp Island, several from Burton and beyond, from Ladys and St Helena’s island.  Like the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, I believe we have created a regional gathering place for like minded owners and their like minded canines.

Thanks to Beaufort -Port Royal firefighters for cooking the hot dogs, to the Friends of Southside Park for bringing freshly baked goods and to special thanks to Liza Hill, who along with Robbi our Parks Superintendent and Libby Anderson City Planning Director,  for their leadership.

To learn more about Pride of Place, what it is and how you can participate: http://www.cityofbeaufort.org/Data/Sites/1/media/beaufort-pride-of-place/beaufort-brochure.pdf

To make a contribution: http://www.cityofbeaufort.org/Data/Sites/1/media/beaufort-pride-of-place/bft-pride-of-place-donation-card-2.pdf

Thanks to grants from the State we received funding for trash receptacles, poop bags and receptacles.

Work will soon begin on the 1.2 mile walking trail within Southside Park also funded by a grant.

The Friends of Southside Park are to be thanked and appreciated for their determined efforts to create yet another special place in the City of Beaufort. They, in concert with the City Park and Tree Board, have been diligent and patient.